There are an estimated 37 million individuals in the United States who are diagnosed with sinusitis every year which makes it a top health priority. And are constantly looking for viable ways for treating sinus. Although there are times when medications can treat the condition, there are some circumstances that require an individual to have sinus surgery.

Treating Sinus

Due to the recent developments in the medical industry, a navigation device that serves a a three-dimensional mapping system can be used by a sinus surgeon for more effective results. With the navigation mapping system, a plastic surgeon can accurately locate specific areas within the sinuses during the surgery. Using three dimensional mapping equipment during sinus surgery can successfully treat the symptoms of sinusitis.

The procedure relies on a computed tomography (CT) scan as well as real time data about the precise locations of the instruments that are used during the procedure. As a result, a surgeon will be able to effectively navigate equipment through the sinus passages with accurate precision. The CT scans and video images of the sinus passages are typically displayed on a large LCD monitor.

What are the Benefits of Using Stereotactic Navigation During Sinus Surgery?

In most cases, a three dimensional scan on a computer disc will come with an individual’s CT scan, which will save individuals time as well as money. In addition, the cost of a computer disc is typically covered by insurance. Because most sinus CT scans require referral, a visit to an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Rubinstein, can pre-certify your sinus condition, so that you can have a CAT scan. One benefit to having the procedure administered by Dr. Rubinstein is that his practice is only located close to the imaging center.

It’s a More Effective Treatment for Certain Sinus Conditions

The procedure benefits those in need of sphenoid, frontal, nasal polyps, or revision sinus surgery. With frontal sinus surgery, the entrances are close to the eyes and the brain. The navigation system gives a plastic surgeon better precision. In addition, the sphenoid sinuses are located close the the carotid artery, brain, and numerous nerves that include the eyes.

Those with nasal polyps can benefit from the surgery because it makes it easier to determine the anatomy of the nose, which decreases the chances of disorientation. Those in need of revision sinus surgery may also benefit from the procedure because of enhanced localization.

It’s Safe

The instruments that are used during image-guided sinus surgery are extremely accurate up to 2mm. The sinus and nasal passages are ideal areas for image-guided instruments because of their bony borders. Moreover, the instrument significantly decreases the risk for human error during sinus surgery. The instrument has the capability to track head movements and breathing patterns, and it is often compared to stereotactic radiosurgery equipment that is used for treating cancer patients.

Image navigation technology allows a surgeon to remove more dead sinus tissue than other procedures. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, a plastic surgeon can preserve healthy tissue, which will result in less bleeding. A plastic surgeon will view the three dimensional images for improved visibility when using surgical instruments around the base of the skull and the optic nerve. In addition, there is less visible scarring because the entire procedure is administered through the nasal passage.

The Recovery Time is Faster Than Other Methods

Although it primarily depends on the extent of the surgery, image mapping systems can help increase healing time because a plastic surgeon can administer the procedure without damaging normal tissue. In most cases, it will take an individual three to five days to recover. During the recovery period, individuals should avoid strenuous activities that may cause an increase in blood pressure or pulse, which may include jogging, cardiovascular exercises, weight training, or any other high impact activities. The most important factor that determines how well an individual recovers depends on how well he or she followed the surgeons post-operative care plan.

If you have sinus problems, and you make it a top health priority as it should be then you should seek help from a skilled surgeon who has experience using three dimensional mapping instruments may relive some of your symptoms. The Hudson Valley Sinus Center has doctors who specialize in sinus surgery. Dr. Ran Rubinstein is the founder of the facility and is one of the top ENT and facial plastic surgeons in the New York area. He is certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery.